If you do not know what a guardian bell is, do not feel bad. It is a small superstition that is suppose to keep a rider safe by putting a bell on the motorcycle to ward off the road demons. The way it works is when the bell is ringing, the noise scares away the road gremlins (or demons) and keeps them away from the motorcycle. Which in turns protects the motorcycle and rider from danger.
Where did the Bell come from?
The origins of the bell a lot like other superstitions, no one really knows where is came from. A few ideas have surfaced, but it will be up to you which one you think is true. One theory is in WWII, airmen use to put good luck charms on their aircraft and after the war they used the same concept on their motorcycles. Another theory is that it was a way to alert the rider if someone is trying to steal their bike. Basically a very cheap alarm. Where ever it came from, it looks like it is here to stay. Keep reading below to find out what the rules are for these bells.
Rules of a Guardian Bell?
Has to be given to you by someone else. The power of the bell comes from receiving it as a gift from someone else. The power of the bell is at its greatest when the gift giver is also a biker.
You cannot get one for yourself. Getting one for yourself does not activate the power of the bell. The power is activated by good will and buying one for yourself just does not work.
Make sure the person who gifted the bell hangs it on your motorcycle. The gift giver has to make sure that they put the bell on the lowest part of the frame. This way the bells sound is closest to the road and has the greatest effect, since it is the ringing that scares the demons away.
Always keep your bell. If you ever sell your motorcycle, make sure you take your bell off. You can keep the bell and transfer it to your new bike. If you want to give it away, you have to personally hand it over to the new owner. If the bell is not handed over in this way it loses its protective powers.
Keep your bell clean. It is important to clean the bell when you clean the bike. It is to respect the bell means and keeping it clean makes it look better and pays the respects to the person who gave it to you.
A stolen bell no long protects the motorcycle. The bell only works when it is received through good will. If it is taken or stolen the bell loses its effect.
Where can I get One?
If you like the idea of a guardian bell for a motorcyclist in your life, your next question will be where can I get one? That is a fairly simple task to complete. You can get one online, at a bike night, or a motorcycle show. There are websites that are dedicated to selling bells in many designs. The basic designs can usually be found at motorcycle shows. These designs could include military services, angels, flags, grim reapers, etc. The list is almost endless. They are not very expensive, usually runs around $10-$15 depending on where you go. They are great to give as gifts for the holidays or special occasions. Which ever design you get I’m sure the motorcyclist in your life will love it.
Here is a LINK to a guardian bell on Amazon. This is a nice simple one, that I feel, most motorcyclists would enjoy.